Scientific Reference
Sermorelin
Evidence profile: Preclinical, with limited uncontrolled human reports
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1–29), representing the shortest fully biologically active fragment. It functions as a physiologic stimulator of endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion by acting on the anterior pituitary. Unlike exogenous GH administration, sermorelin preserves the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone, maintaining regulatory feedback mechanisms and reducing the risk of supraphysiological exposure. It is widely used in research contexts investigating growth hormone axis modulation, recovery, and metabolic regulation.
Mechanism of Action
Sermorelin acts on the anterior pituitary as a physiologic stimulator of endogenous growth hormone secretion, reproducing the activity of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Because secretion remains pulsatile and subject to normal regulatory feedback, pituitary control of the growth hormone axis is preserved rather than bypassed as it is under exogenous growth hormone administration. This makes sermorelin a tool for studying growth hormone axis modulation without displacing the axis itself.
Molecular Information
- Type: GHRH analog (growth hormone secretagogue)
- Length: 29 amino acids
- Molecular weight: 3357.9 g/mol
- Molecular formula: C149H246N44O42S
- CAS: 86168-78-7